Lynwood, CA - Plaza Mexico decided to take over the City owned without authorization to use as parking lot for their vendors.
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Monday, January 24, 2005
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27 comments:
I know of a vendor that says it is to difficult to work with the management there. They threaten them with eviction. They make them park a mile away and yes they get ticketed for parking next to there business. It seems City of Lynwood previous Mayor gave them alot. I hope the property there are aquiring west of Plaza Mexico will have more parking. LYNWOOD WATCH keep up the good work.
Plaza Mexico should build a parking 5 floor structure to aliviate parking. They should bring high quality stores to their new acquired property. I hope they will bring a movie theatre, larger plaza with grass and trees for leixure time and high quality restaurants. If the city provides money, all residents should benefit by it, maybe an out door auditorium, trails for bikes etc. Please council members think of us the residents of LYnwood when funds are provided.
This is a very delicate matter, but for the people who do not know why Plaza Mexico has sooooo much power and leverage. Well, my friends...the owners of Plaza Mexico are Millionaires, and with this comes corruption and kickbacks. What is this you ask? Well, it is said that Plaza Mexico has a couple of councilman in their pockets, meaning that they have them bought with gifts or money.
In a recent ad or I think it was on the DA's Charges to one of the councilman, there is speculation that the owners of Plaza Mexico REMODELED this councilman's home in Lynwood. I am not sure what other Gifts or favors have been given to these councilman, but if anyone notices when ever a matter comes up about Plaza Mexico, this so called Plaza Mexico is given Priority and exemptions on many violations and permits are granted.
I mean I don't understand how the City of Lynwood benefits from this covered up SWAPMEET. Don't get me wrong it is a business and it does look pretty nice from the outside, but from the inside, it is nothing but a SWAPMEET with cheap no brand merchandize. If you do find any name brand merchandize in there, I wouldn't doubt it if the majority of it is FAKE.
At the same time when you do purchase anything from there, most of the time a receipt is not given to its customers. Which means that TAXES are not paid to the City or the TAXES are not reported to the government. I don't understand how the owners and these councilman can try to fool the community into thinking that they are doing the City of Lynwood a favor or that Plaza Mexico is generating lots of MONEY to the City, when if fact, all they are doing is getting richer and controlling and owning a big part of the city.
Such a big piece of land is already owned and now they want the City of Lynwood to hand them over this other piece of lot that i'm sure the city paid lots of money for. I think not, we should voice our opinions and let these couple of councilman know that we mean business and we will not tolerate this type of behavior. They should not be the only ones that benefit from what ever Plaza Mexico does.
I agree. Plaza Mexico is a good facade concept. However, many of the things they do, such as outdoor activities, constructions, etc. seem to be above the law. Lets not forget that Plaza Mexico did not pay a city license for some years, and asked the council to waive the fees. Last year, Plaza Mexico also had an item in the agenda in which they were asking penalty fees of about $2,000 to be waived. I'm sure that amount is nothing compared to what they make.
Also, I don't Plaza Mexico's Management Office has the authority to issue citations for violations that are based on the vehicle code, such as handicap, red zone, etc. If a private citizen, or a company of lesser magnitude did this, I'm sure they will be prosecuted. Vasquez for example, likes to play this card. She'll be talking about starting an investigation with the DA, etc. too bad she's found Plaza Mexico's restaurant a hang out place. What about Fernando Pedroza? He has spent many, many hours at the Cafe Canela.
Sometimes I get the impression that the City does selective enforcement of their laws, but we shall see... so far, it seems that you have to be rich and powerful to be left alone. What actions are the councilmembers taking? are they prosecuting for trespassing? It's very likely that they won't. It doesn't matter if Plaza Mexico used the city/state lot illegaly, it's just a minor mistake that was corrected with a Notice of Violation posted on the fence.
It seems that as of now, the true "6th element" or "6th councilman" is the owner of Plaza Mexico. By the way, is it true that Plaza Mexico pays employees through their security company?
Its it true the council men pedroza owns cafe canela??
I agree with Plaza Mexico taking over the land west of state street, that is blight that needs to be removed. We need beautification projects to welcome people to our city.
I'm not sure but I did hear that Councilman Fernando Pedroza owns Cafe Canela. If he doesn't own it, one of his family members does.
I think this is another one of those perks he was given by the Plaza Mexico owners. I think this is why all these fines, penalties, and License fees are waived for Plaza Mexico.
If Plaza Mexico is really giving out its own citations, I don't think the City should allow this to happen. Its bad enough Plaza Mexico owns alot of land and makes alot of money.
The City is the one thats broke, the City should be the ones giving these citations. If they're not going to give the citations, they should put up a fence or something in order for cars not to park there anymore.
This is what the other person said "SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT". What about that fund raiser for the tsunami victims? Where is the money going? Will the City make records available to see where the money went? Many of the Federaciones have left Plaza Mexico because of questionable record keeping in regards to fund raisers. Was the fund raiser registered at the state level? What nonprofit is receiving the money? Familias Unidas? the Green Geter Foundation?
On the other hand, why doesn't the city let another developer propose something for that land? It seems to me that Plaza Mexico is becoing a monopoli in Lynwood. Koreans are getting rich with Mexican Culture, that's the sad truth. But what's worst is that Latinos in the Council are giving it all away. In Lynwood you don't sell your soul to the devil, you sell it to Donald! (And I don't mean Ronald Mc Donald)
Do you mean Donald Trump?
That's a good one! but not quite...
Come on everybody knows who's Donald... 'Chae' and it's not only the owner of plaza mexico but it seems that control and manipulate every movement on the big chair of the City and the council members. Shame on them !!!the corruption is taking our city to a place where we have to pay from our pocket the price for ignorance and let this 'Chae'( and it's not 'Che' Guevara)laugh and make a big profit from our mexican culture, and let the korean persons be the only ones who can get benefits from this depressing SWAPMEET...!!! Extremely Pathetic!
VERY TRUE (I WOULDN'T THINK ANYONE CAN DARE COMPARE CHE GUEVARA TO DONALD CHAE, BUT I SHARED THE LAUGH!). A PUBLIC REQUEST MADE LAST YEAR SHOWS THAT LESS THAN 10% OF VENDORS ARE LATINOS. WE ALSO KNOW THAT LATINOS THAT WORK FOR KOREAN VENDORS GET PAID $30 - $40 A DAY, CASH. THAT'S BELOW THE MINIMUM WAGE! THAT'S NOT EVEN INCLUDING LACK OF ANY OTHER BENEFITS,AND YES, NO HEALTH INSURANCE. THERE ARE A LOT OF INDICATIONS THAT LOTS OF MONEY IS NOT BEING PROPERLY. LATINOS ARE WORKING THERE UNDERPAID, UNREPORTED, AND PUT SIMPLY: EXPLOITED.
MONEY CHANGES YOU. YOU CAN BE THE GREATEST OPPONENT AND TALK CRAP ABOUT THE SWAP MEET, BUT THEN YOU CAN HANG OUT AT ONE OF THEIR RESTAURANTS (HUMM. I WONDER IF THEY GIVE YOU FREE DRINKS).
I DON'T KNOW. IT SEEMS THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE THAT COME TO PLAZA MEXICO ARE NOT FROM LYNWOOD. MANY OF US THAT LIVE IN LYNWOOD PREFER TO GO TO LAKEWOOD MALL OR CERRITOS OR STONEWOOD FOR EXAMPLE. TAKE A SURVEY, ASK THE COUNCIL IF THEY'VE EVER BOUGHT A SUIT OR A DRESS FROM PLAZA MEXICO. THEY'LL VERY LIKELY SAY "NOOOOO", SPECIALLY THE ONES WITH THE BIG EGOES!
SO, THE QUESTION THEN BECOMES: WHAT IS THE COUNCIL GOING TO DO? OR WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY GOING TO DO? WHY HAVEN'T WE HEARD ANY OF THE COUNCIL SAY THEY WANT AN AUDIT OF PLAZA MEXICO, AFTER ALL, THEY GAVE AND ARE GIVING PLAZA MEXICO OUR MONEY,AND SALARY. I'M TIRED OF PAYING FOR THEIR CARS, AND HOMES, AND I CAN'T AFFORD ONE FOR ME.
You know what, I'm gonna change my San Judas Tadeo veladora for a Donald Chae veladora, may be I'll get rich faster! Besides, instead of going to church for my novena, I can hang out at La Huasteca!
You say "are you crazy?", "cab.. ateo!". Well, it worked for him! he put a figure of la Vigencita on top of his building! (Do ya all really think he's a devout guadalupano? (yeah, right...))
Below is part of an article by Sam Quinonez of the Los angeles Times, December 5, 2004 titled "Non-Latinos Mine Southland's Mexican Market". Enjoy!
"One high-profile example of non-Mexicans filling the void is Plaza Mexico. Situated on Long Beach Boulevard and the 105 Freeway in Lynwood, Plaza Mexico attempts to replicate a traditional Mexican downtown in a strip mall formerly anchored by a Montgomery Ward department store.
The plaza resembles Monte Alban, the ancient Indian ruins in Oaxaca. Its shops have the bold colors of a typical provincial town, and there is a shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The plaza's clock tower replicates the facade of the government palace in Guadalajara. The stone and the lamps that light the plaza are imported from Mexico. Even the tiles on the plaza contain occasional figures from loteria, a Mexican children's game.
The governor of the state of Nayarit donated a statue in honor of Mexican mothers that stands at one end of the plaza. And other Mexican governors make appearances there when visiting Southern California.
Plaza Mexico's developer is Donald Chae, a Korean immigrant who has labored to make his shopping center distinctly Mexican in the same way Chinatown is distinctly Chinese. He hired Luis Felipe Nieto, an archeologist and restoration expert from San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato, to advise on Mexican designs and colors.
Korean immigrants like Chae dominate even at Southern California's ubiquitous indoor swap meets, where they can be found picking up a little Spanish as they sell cowboy belts from Jalisco, Brown Pride T-shirts and pictures of the Virgin of Guadalupe."
Please note that the Los Angeles Times refers to Plaza Mexico as an INDOOR SWAPMEET. Sam Quinonez mentions that the resemblance of Plaza Mexico to Mexico. He forgot to mention that Donald Chae is the Hernan Cortez and the City Council the Malinches.
tThis question goes to all city counci; members. Where do you buy your suites and your and fancy dresses that you you were at special event? I'm sure you guys dont go to Plaza Mexico to buy this things. Arent the residents of Lynwood deserve to shop in stores do u guys shop? Thank you.
tThis question goes to all city counci; members. Where do you buy your suites and your and fancy dresses that you you were at special event? I'm sure you guys dont go to Plaza Mexico to buy this things. Arent the residents of Lynwood deserve to shop in stores do u guys shop? Thank you.
I wish we could, but I don't get paid for going to local meetings. $100 bucks does a lot for a family of 5.
$100 is not alot your right; but when you get paid $41,000 a year plus and trouble expense, probably with that it will supply a family a 5
Cafe Canela is owned by Donal Chae.
Yeah. So is La Huasteca. And many, many other things. Monopoly?
As for the employees who work at Plaza Mexico, sadly, it's their choice to continue working for less than minimum wage. There are so many opportinities in this country that if not taken advantage of by one person another will. I'm also sure that if there were more business-minded hispanics the statistics would be different. As a hispanic, I know the hardships one may have, but cannot make excuses for not getting ahead in life. Let's not forget, Koreans are also immigrants. By the way "spudriver", how did Margaret and her husband get dragged into this one? Is it fair to say you might be jealous of a hispanic women who can hardly dress herself, like you claim, being able to succeed at Plaza Mexico? I thought that's what someone was whining about previously.
As for Cafe Canela, Fernando Pedroza may drink coffee there, but is not the owner. I consider Plaza Mexico an asset to Lynwood. If Donald wouldn't take initiative then Plaza Mexico would still be The Market Place. At least it looks better now. Stop being so negative and start thinking of ways to use that energy towards improving this city.
When was Donald paying people to defend Plaza Mexico? Next time let me know. To clarify, I was not defending him or Plaza Mexico, but you have to admit it's the only big visible project and if people choose to "make him richer" than that's their problem. I don't like that there's a swapmeet here instead of a mall, but in case you didn't know there was major a major store here not to long ago and it just didn't make it here anymore. SAD, BUT TRUE. Hey, if people choose to shop and work there why does that bother you so much. Besides, it sounds like you have it in for anyone that has a business at this place. Maybe if you ask nicely, he'll let you have a place for a gossip column so you can fulfill your true aspirations. I'm just saying.......
It could work for you too.
Sure, if it makes you feel any better to believe that, go ahead. In reality, I am not an advocate of Plaza Mexico and have a higher education as well. I am informed of the fact that they are not paying taxes. I don't know if you are not completely aware or are trying to misinform people who read these commentaries, but the fact of the matter is that if we do some looking up on this issue you'll find that they are a part of redevelopment grant, which every city is eligible for, and they do not pay taxes for a specific amount of time. It is not illegal. It is a way of attracting businesses. Which we desperately needed to do. It is not favoritism for Plaza Mexico. The new businesses on Imperial and Atlantic are also a part of this grant. If a developer would come and put a mall here, they would also be a part of it. It's actually a matter of initiative. By the way, since you have so much clout and can verify that Fernando Pedroza owns Cafe Canela, I'm very interested in seeing how you can do this and I think if you have this information you should publish it here and at least in the Lynwood Journal. Do your research and re-think your sources.
Don't put yourself down. There are other people who are not directly involved and know the facts. Other readers should take insult to that comment. I know I am well and self informed. You should try it. Don't believe everything you hear. If you think about it you'll realize that if we bring new businesses into the city, even if they don't pay taxes for a while, its just that-a while-not forever and we'll benefit from them when they do start paying taxes. I take it you don't know much about business.
P.S. We're still waiting for the proof that Pedroza owns Cafe Canela.
Ask Ferni the Pervi por the proof ???
That shows your intelligence and maturity level. I'm impressed(with myself)! You're just as dumb as I suspected. You're asking me to ask the accused for proof that he is in fact guilty of what he's being accused of. Smart! I'll take this as your way of telling me that this accusation is unfounded. IF I'M WRONG EDUCATE ME WITH FACTS THAT CAN BE BACKED UP WITH REAL PROOF NOT JUST YOUR MEANINGLESS WORDS.
I just came across the post about the tortilliera i fill sorry for the person who needs to get a life and stop talking about people. maybe you should try getting a job our starting your own business if your so smart. you would full on your face the first day. remember no one leaves this earth till they pay there dues, hate will get you nowhere but to hell!!
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